YORK City Knights have pulled off a coup by signing fan favourite Matty Marsh on a permanent deal from Hull KR.

Head coach James Ford said at the start of this week that the club were merely "exploring the possibility" of keeping the classy 23-year-old full-back in the Minster city next season after he played a key role in a number of big games this year on dual-registration from the Robins.

But chances are an agreement would already have been close at that point, following the player's recent release by Rovers, and the new Betfred League One champions have now confirmed the deal.

His recruitment also means the full-back/half-back triumvirate of Marsh, Ben Cockayne and Connor Robinson, which was so successful this year, will remain in the Championship in 2019.

Ford said: "I'm really pleased to able to continue working with Matty.

"He’s a talented young player who has lots of improvement in him as long as he continues to strive for development."

It is almost certain the Knights would have faced a battle for Marsh's signature, and Ford added: "I’m delighted in the progress we’re making as a club which again is indicated with a signing of this quality."

Ford hailed the benefits of continuing the Marsh-Cockayne-Robinson combination, saying: "There's a real positive relationship between those three off the field and on the field.

"Their qualities complement each other, and, regardless of what permutations we go with, I'm sure all three will make a really positive contribution to York's season."

Marsh played at half-back when he first arrived at Bootham Crescent but was then switched to full-back, where he made the bulk of his appearances.

Asked in what role Marsh's future lay, Ford said: "That remains to be seen.

"He's got lots of ability and he can play both positions really well. At the minute I'm probably seeing him as a full-back but he can also be a quality stand-off and he provides versatility and gives us options and ensures there's pressure on players in key positions."

Marsh came through the ranks at Hull KR, winning the Academy Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year accolades. He went on to make 42 first-team appearances for the Robins, including seven in Super League this year.

But he also played 12 times on dual-reg for York, scoring 10 tries, with the bulk of his appearances coming in big games against potential promotion rivals.

On his contribution to the title triumph, Ford said: "I think he was very key. He gives us a lot of quality at the back, he's very safe under kick pressure and he brings the ball back with plenty of zip.

"His three-v-two pass selection out the back of our shift is also good.

"I thought we were a better team with Matty in it.

"We didn't have him as often as I would've liked but he made a very positive contribution to our success.

"All the Hull KR players were very much treated as York players. The boys embraced them and I'd like to think they enjoyed their time with us. It's been a really positive relationship between the clubs.

"I'm now looking forward to spending more time with Matty and helping him kick on."

Marsh becomes the 11th member of Ford's 2019 roster, after League One Player of the Year Robinson, fellow nominee Cockayne, hookers Harry Carter and Will Jubb, centre Brad Hey, winger/full-back Ash Robson, and packmen Ronan Dixon, Josh Jordan-Roberts, Joe Porter and Sam Scott.

The Press understands more announcements are imminent.

Marsh said: "This is the club I wanted to sign for.

"I massively enjoyed my time at the club on DR in 2018 and loved playing with a great set of lads.

"I’m excited to be at a club on the up and we deserve to be at the top level in the future.

"Fordy has helped me a lot this year and I will continue to develop with him as coach. I’m looking forward to working with him and the staff."